My name is Jan the gypsyI travel the land.There are no chains about meI am me own man.I can tell a fair old story which I'm sure ain't no surpriseOf the places I have been, oh,And they ain't no lies.

I've never had a proper home,Not one like yours is.I've nearly always had a caravanWith horses.And I know you won't believe meThough it is the truth to tellThat the living it is hard, oh,But it suits me well.

I am I traveller of the seas,I am a sailor.The ocean has been good to me,She ain't no jailor.I can tell a fair old story which I'm sure ain't no surpriseOf the places I have sailed, oh,And they ain't no lies.

I've never had a garden,Or a place with windows.I stand upon the salty deck,And feel the wind blow.And I know you won't believe meThough it is the truth to tellThat the living it is hard, oh,But it suits me well.

My mother was a fire-eater,'Fore she desert us.So when I was only seven years oldI joined the circus.And I can tell a fair old story which I'm sure ain't no surpriseOf the places we have played, oh,And it ain't no lies.

I've never had no money,And no hope to get none.I can always get a penny,When there is good reason.And I know you won't believe meThough it is the truth to tellThat the living it is hard, oh,But it suits me well.